Menomonie High School has produced its fair share of standout athletes (including players who were drafted into the NFL!).
However, even among that impressive lineup, it would be hard to find anyone who could keep pace, literally, with Lauren McCalla. On November 1, Lauren culminated her high school cross country career in epic style, which placed her on the podium as Wisconsin’s Division 1 High School Girls Cross Country Champion. But Lauren didn’t just win the state title, she obliterated the former state course record of 17:44 by 18 seconds with a time of 17:26.4!
For those keeping score at home, 18 seconds in running is basically an eternity, yet, somehow, Lauren made it look effortless.
Lauren’s impressive talent dates back to when she began running local 5k races for fun at the age of 7. Of course, by 6th grade, McCalla joined the middle school running team, and, by sophomore year she discovered that running wasn’t just a hobby, it was true love. Lauren credits her parents (both of whom are also runners) with her passion for the sport.
Since then, Lauren has collected an impressive list of honors: two time All State Athlete, District Runner of the Year, two time BRC Player of the Year, and Lauren is also a two time All American. Her running résumé could probably use its own trophy shelf!
Moreover, Lauren holds what feels like half of the school’s record book, including: the indoor and outdoor 800m, 4x800m, 1600m, indoor distance medley relay, indoor 4x400m, outdoor 400m, and the 5k school record in cross country. Perhaps most notable, McCalla also holds the state record for the fastest 5k time run in state history (16:52)!
Lauren says she has learned plenty from the sport, such as the importance of proper nutrition, stacking up miles, smart training, and perhaps most importantly, the art of sacrifice.
But despite her rigorous training and sacrifices off the course, Lauren points out that what she loves most about cross country isn’t the records or the medals; it’s the fun traditions she shares with her team and the remarkable environment she shares with her competitors.
Lauren’s advice to younger runners following in her footsteps is to fuel your body with healthy food that will help you recover, get at least eight hours of sleep a night, and focus on practice. However, while the physical aspects of cross country are important, McCalla advises that much of the sport is mental, so it’s imperative that athletes have a positive mindset, and that positivity will assuredly result in faster run times.
For Lauren, a girl clearly with goals, there’s always a new challenge on the horizon. So what’s next for Lauren? She will soon be racing in the Nike Cross Country Heartland Regional race, attempting to qualify for the Nike Cross Country Nationals.
Lauren will then move onto her final season of high school track. After an extensive collegiate recruitment process, Lauren has decided to attend the University of Washington next fall, where she will (of course!) run competitively as a Husky! UW has a track record of developing multiple national champions, world champions, and even Olympic competitors, which is Lauren’s ultimate goal. So, the school’s demonstrated competitive success, combined with the beauty of the campus and the surrounding area, as well as the opportunity to grow independently at a college geographically distant from home were all incredibly appealing to Lauren.
McCalla makes a special point of noting that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the unwavering support of her cross country coach, Craig Olson.
When asked how she would like to be remembered at MHS, Lauren reflectively stated,
“I want people to remember me as someone who was always working hard and doing everything possible to be the best,” Lauren said. “To be truly elite means you have to sacrifice many things in your teenage years. I have openly given up many social aspects to be a champion, and I don’t regret a single minute.”
Lauren, your legacy at MHS is one of grit, grace, and greatness. You’ve set the pace for every runner who follows, and something tells us this won’t be the last time we see your name on a leaderboard. We’ll be saving our voices to cheer you on at the Olympics!
Reprinted by permission Mustang Messenger, Nov 10, 2025.
Tehya Johnson, student body president, is a senior at Menomonie High School, writing for the Mustang Messenger since her sophomore year.
